ISLAMABAD: The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has approved four higher education projects worth Rs13.6 billion, with funding aimed at expanding academic infrastructure, strengthening research facilities and improving professional education in key disciplines.
According to the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives’ Monthly Development Update for September 2026, the projects are designed to support skilled human resource development in technology, management and veterinary sciences while linking infrastructure investment with specialised academic capacity.
The largest project is the revised Strengthening of KBCMA College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, sponsored by the Higher Education Commission, with an approved cost of Rs5.494 billion.
Another major project is the revised Establishment of Hyderabad Institute for Technology and Management Sciences, approved at a cost of Rs4.559 billion.
The CDWP also cleared the revised Strengthening of the Women University of AJ&K Bagh project at Rs2.551 billion.
The fourth project, Provision of Academic Facilities at Emerson University, Multan, was approved at a cost of Rs1.044 billion.
Together, the four schemes account for around Rs13.6 billion in higher education investment approved during the period.
The Planning Ministry said two CDWP meetings considered 19 agenda items, including 14 projects, four position papers and one policy paper proposal.
Seven projects worth Rs25.4 billion and two position papers were approved directly by the CDWP.
Five projects with a combined value of Rs283.9 billion and one position paper were recommended to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council, while two projects, one policy paper and one position paper were deferred.
Higher education represented a significant share of the projects directly approved during the month.
Education and professional capacity development also featured in projects approved under other sectors.
The CDWP cleared the revised Establishment of Medical and Nursing College at Gilgit at a cost of Rs4.924 billion.
The project is intended to establish modern medical and nursing education facilities, improve access to healthcare education and help produce skilled healthcare professionals for the region.
A separate Rs2.753 billion project for the Establishment of National Defence University FCS Campus at Defence Complex Islamabad was also approved.
According to the report, the proposed campus is aimed at strengthening higher education, research and strategic studies while supporting professional capacity and national security policy development.
The projects form part of the federal Public Sector Development Programme for FY2026-27, approved at Rs1 trillion, including Rs255 billion as foreign-loan rupee cover.
The Planning Ministry said development spending will remain focused on projects aligned with Uraan Pakistan, particularly fast-moving and high-impact schemes, as the government seeks to improve public investment efficiency under fiscal constraints.
The report also identified private investment, exports, productivity, technology, human capital and climate resilience among the areas expected to support broader economic growth.